Importing and modifying a new mini excavator from China

[jaylast]

wonder if the D902 you have mentioned is importable

Yep they are. 722, 902, and 25hp yanmar all common enough among the sellers. As well as 2 speed travel. 902 should be a good match for 2T.
Iirc, you do need the upgraded hydro system for the 2 speed though, not just 2spd capable motors.

Ya gotta keep in mind any US 'dealer' is gonna have as much markup as they can get. For some it's totally worth it.

 

[MattB4]

...

Ya gotta keep in mind any US 'dealer' is gonna have as much markup as they can get. For some it's totally worth it.

Yeah some of that markup is a bit extreme. Though one does have to be careful to compare feature sets and if there is better quality control involved in construction.

The US market is being flooded with a lot of these machines. It will be interesting how it shakes out in the next few years.

 

[jaylast]

Typhon would be the first dealer in US I'd buy from. Like their machines and got dude on the phone like right away when I had ? as well. For some it's worth even paying GH or KR markups for their dealer service.

Anway, thanks for all the input from this thread so far- all the fittings arrived and I was able to add a tee for gauge and flow control. About $220 total for all, incl 3gauge kit, flow control, and a few extra fittings. Discount hydro had most everything and great price on custom hose.

Mechanical linkage mods for levers


Parts and pieces mocked up

Leveled lot out (dirt at back used to swale up to alley and to the siding on neighbors garage

Start drilling 12" holes for post/beam building posts. Bit is 36" but can do 48" deep no problem since pump is only 8 or 10" diameter x >12" high.

I made a couple shorts with specifics of mods so far- will post the links then.
Really excited with pressure up 10% from 2250 to 2500psi, and 2stage set 40% up from 1000 to 1400psi cutoff.
With boom flow adjusted down, counterweight, and engine rpm at ~ 60% it's running awesome.

Higher wear on everything obviously but if briggs can handle the torque demand, I wonder how high I can set pressure while still pumping full flow . . . . At full flow AND full pressure it would really shred the work. Just hopefully not itself haha.
Also wonder if 3000psi would be reasonably safe for the system. 10% increase is already noticeable. . . . I think the lowest rated pressure of any one component is at least 3300psi.

flow control and tee youtube.com/watch?v=w0PmcmjWxyo
change pressures youtube.com/watch?v=4l-7BvZF2Ao
blade/thumb mechanical youtube.com/watch?v=FatoKGaqlLE
hitch an counterweight youtube.com/watch?v=1geOeon6v04
overall synop youtube.com/watch?v=d1chr3LWvss

 

[dfkrug]

Really excited with pressure up 10% from 2250 to 2500psi,
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.
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Also wonder if 3000psi would be reasonably safe for the system. 10% increase is already noticeable. . . . I think the lowest rated pressure of any one component is at least 3300psi.

2250psi was as-delivered RV setting? Good you bumped it up.

2400-2500psi is the target RV setting, and going higher is a function of net forces and strength of design, not the component ratings on these machines. By that, I mean, what are the pin diameters and the cylinder IDs? The moment arm lengths on the dipper and bucket, as well as the thickness of the bucket carcass are all criteria that limits pressure setting.

I run a thicker bucket on my backhoe, attached to a 2500psi tractor, and have bent or cracked it in unexpected places.

If you decide to crank RV pressure up to 3000, I would not be concerned about damage to hoses, fittings, or cylinders. I would first expect damage to the buckets.

 

[jaylast]

Yes 2250psi stock. Got job done fine but the added pressure at 2500 should help break hard ground and more power to travel/turn.

Agree, structural issues before hydro issues is likely. Higher overall wear on pump, motor, cylinders would be a given though. They have to work harder even when being gentle.

My main concern is the higher pressure causing inferior construction or low quality seals in pump/motors/cylinders to fail.
I can be more gentle with functions so machine doesn't rip itself apart and if not that is on me ya know?
I'd rather beef up attachments or even gusset pivot points before dealing with seals in components starting to blow out one by one.

Speaking of buckets, I've been happy with the stock digging and the kamran auto 80cm smooth buckets. While heavier I can still see the 80cm could get wrecked faster 4 sure, but nothing some extra metal can't fix though right? Pretty certain some mild steel added here and there would be helpful as needed and easy to achieve.

Let's measure and weigh some buckets to compare, perhaps not all buckets are created equal? Would be great to know where to get the heaviest duty ones. I will picture measure and weight my digging bucket soon.

 

[Carl_NH]

Our local monthly auction always seems to have a few new 3-4T Chinese units. and the max bids are usually under $15K. Some are AGT, and the others I don't know who makes them. All seem to have Yanmar or Kubota diesels, servo controls, swing boom, adjustable track. I suspect the importer is taking a loss on these, too.

Good luck, and report what you get.

Here's one I am bidding on a CFG STE35 a 2800KG or 3 ton machine with a Yanmar 3 Cyl diesel made by Shantui (imported by AGT) - with a QA bucket and Hyd thumb - heat no AC but it has good fit and finish on the hoses routing and overall workmanship appears good. If I can get this for under 19K its a good deal I think.(plus $3K tax,commisions, shipping) my goal is under $22K delivered. https://www.rbauction.com/idp/2023-...=14275482&id=ci&auction=NORTH-EAST-MD-2023343

Shantui make big machines - excvators and dozers etc. Anyone have experience with these? Good or bad? Recommendations

 

[MattB4]

Here's one I am bidding on a CFG STE35 ...

There is also one listed on Auction Time from a place in Idaho selling tomorrow if the RB Auction shows too much action. 5% dealer premium. https://www.auctiontime.com/listing...ns/online/229286439/2023-cfg-industry-ste35sr

 

[Carl_NH]

Yes there are several at different RB auctions too - seem to go from 19-25K range - but Idaho is a big bite on delivery costs to the east coast - the one in RB in MD is $1200 shipping 400 mi so not too bad.

 

[MattB4]

If they go for out of your price range take a look at the 2700kg Typhon. List price of $20K but a 10% off being offered.

 

[oldrustysteel]

I have a quick question for the experts on the forum. As you can see in the pic, my AGT L12 has a hydraulic cooler and fan in front of the Briggs. The recoil starter is still on the engine and I am considering removing it. Would removing it help to increase the airflow? I think the Briggs is going to need all the airflow I can get when summer gets here. I would like to keep the cooler and fan where they are so I can use dfkrug suggestion to install duct work between the fan and outside air. thanks.

 

[dfkrug]

The recoil starter is still on the engine and I am considering removing it. Would removing it help to increase the airflow?

Removing it would help some, yes.

But, looking at the bigger picture, the hyd oil cooler installation on your machine is not well thought out, IMO.

On my machine, I installed the engine flipped around 180 degrees from the 1-cylinder diesel that was usually installed. That way, I could fit the engine in there and duct the air like they did with the diesel, but also giving me enough room to fit the hydraulic pump with its coupling on the opposite side of the engine (PTO side).

You may want to do this with your machine. Flip the engine around and duct air in thru the flywheel, and making sure the oil cooler fan blows outward. If it blows outward now, it is fighting the inward flow from the engine fan. If it is blowing inward, the engine is trying to cool itself with hot air. Both are sub-optimal.

 

[oldrustysteel]

I knew you would have the answer.. I will go back through your thread and see if I can find pics of what you did..Thanks!

 

[jaylast]

Yes remove pull start, leaving duct/cover intact.

But why not (with cooler fan blowing correct direction) just add ducting as everything sets? Fresh cool air for cooler and on to motor. Perhaps then another fan to help vent the house on other side.
If moving anything at all (to give each virgin air), pretty sure I'd consider moving cooler first. . . that sounds really involved to rotate and remount engine?

 

[oldrustysteel]

Yes remove pull start, leaving duct/cover intact.

But why not (with cooler fan blowing correct direction) just add ducting as everything sets? Fresh cool air for cooler and on to motor. Perhaps then another fan to help vent the house on other side.
If moving anything at all (to give each virgin air), pretty sure I'd consider moving cooler first. . . that sounds really involved to rotate and remount engine?

I like your thinking. since I can monitor engine temp, it wont hurt to try it your way first. if the temp exceeds 300 then i will do what dfkrug suggests. I had no idea keeping things cool would be an issue on this machine. It seems they were designed for a diesel and for some reason they had to put the Briggs in instead. Unfortunately, they didn't worry about anything other than very basic short-term operation. Also, how do I get into my avatar area so I can add my L12 to the list and add my location? Thanks for the help

 

[MattB4]

I like your thinking. since I can monitor engine temp, it wont hurt to try it your way first. if the temp exceeds 300 then i will do what dfkrug suggests. I had no idea keeping things cool would be an issue on this machine. It seems they were designed for a diesel and for some reason they had to put the Briggs in instead. Unfortunately, they didn't worry about anything other than very basic short-term operation. Also, how do I get into my avatar area so I can add my L12 to the list and add my location? Thanks for the help

Keep in mind the charging capacity of the engine. Too many fans will exceed the B&S ability to operate and keep battery charged. From my research I went with only one fan of 80 watts. It along with an aluminum plate on top of the exhaust, plus running the exhaust piping further out the back made a huge decrease in engine compartment temperature.

Due to EPA rules the Chinese diesels and gas engines that the minis were designed for could not be imported to the US. It is why the OP ordered his first machine without an engine. Than they figured out that Chinese built B&S had EPA certification so they shoe horned them in. They also started adding Diesels that met standard as time went by and now you have a fair selection.

You can go to Account settings by clicking on the link at the top of the Forum, scrow down to Tractor:
to add more items into your Avatar area.

 

[oldrustysteel]

Thanks Matt!!

 

[Fredrik]

I would love to learn more specifics about the pumps/valves used. Leking, Ltmg, and Rippa were higher priced and they didn't share anything other than hydro flow (100lpm rexroth was best of the 3 from Leking). But ya know dam well there is literature somewhere on the parts even if untranslated.
I assume perhaps the stack is split with multiple inputs and reliefs like the 'real' diggers are.
I wonder also the specifics of control for boom swing, blade, telescope, and aux1 and 2 control. Probably there will be some pilots and/or solenoids for most or all.

Me Too, not alot of info when you start asking the hard questions.Most of the companies can only send stock fotos. Still prying for all the specifics.

 

[Fredrik]

Quick up date. I approached a few more manufacturers to cover all my bases. All these companies whether suppliers or parts manufacturers are in communication with each other apparently. I have been flooded with quotes on the specs I wanted + attachments. I now have 2 companies willing to ship, my color choice from a pallet of 30 colors, for DDP ( direct to door, all duties, taxes, customs clearance, other fees, insurance delivered undamaged ) For a Bargain of $ 12,000 + change. Is there something I'm missing here or do they expect a huge order in the future. I've been straight with all of them from the beginning. Could use an " Amen" or "Run Away" from you guys.

 

[dfkrug]

It seems they were designed for a diesel and for some reason they had to put the Briggs in instead.

I asked them 5+ y ago to put in a 420cc gas engine. 3 companies did it pretty quickly, but poorly. They also went to the Lovejoy coupler, which I also suggested. They did not do it in time for my initial purchase, but did it a year later for the Oking units we bought.

Rhinoceros was not interested, but I just heard they now have one with gas engine. Pretty much all of them do now.

 

[Carl_NH]

If they go for out of your price range take a look at the 2700kg Typhon. List price of $20K but a 10% off being offered.

Matt - well the RB 3 Ton CFG / Shantui unit went for 20,500 - went up 5 K in last 5 minutes - needless to say I didnt get it. That wasn't a bad deal - but more than I wanted to outlay 0- would have been about $25K to my door with taxes fees and shipping.